Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Works Department - (573) 874-7250

Airport training drill

COLUMBIA, MO (September 15, 2010) - The Columbia Regional Airport Public Safety Department and mutual aid agencies will participate in a simulated drill at the Columbia Regional Airport on Thursday, Sept. 23, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The airport will remain open for normal operations during this exercise, and those present in the terminal and general aviation areas will be notified that this is only a drill.

The scenario is a mass casualty incident occurring at the airport involving a 50- passenger aircraft with a post-crash fire. The Mobile Aircraft Fire Simulator purchased by the FAA and Missouri Department of Transportation and operated by the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Institute will be used for the drill. There will be simulated injuries and emergency responders will provide simulated medical care to the fake victims. The exercise will take place on Runway 13 which will be closed during the exercise, but will not affect the normal operation of the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires a full-scale training drill every three years to test the emergency plan at airports certified for air carrier operations. The Columbia Regional Airport Public Safety Department is hosting this event to meet its requirement and to maintain its proficiency in emergency response along with its mutual aid partners. Agencies responding and assisting with the development of the drill include:

• Air Traffic Control Tower
• Columbia Regional Airport
• Columbia Fire Department
• Boone County Fire Protection District
• Southern Boone County Fire Protection District
• University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute
• Salvation Army
• Red Cross
• Columbia Police Department
• Missouri State Highway Patrol
• Boone County Sheriff
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Department of Natural Resources
• Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health & Human Services
• University of Missouri Hospital
• Boone Hospital
• Joint Communications/Office of Emergency Management
• Ashland Police Department
• Federal Aviation Administration

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